Jet2.com’s Maiden Voyages to the Big Apple

18th November 2011

Leading leisure airline celebrates East Midlands Airport’s first flight to New York

First Jet2.com
New York flight from Glasgow

There were big celebrations this morning as Jet2.com celebrated the
take off of the first ever flight to New York from East Midlands Airport.
Simultaneous celebrations were happening in Glasgow for Jet2.com’s first New York
shopping flight from Scotland.

Customers from the Midlands region checking in for the special direct Christmas
shopping flight to the iconic US city were treated to an American-style send off
as cheerleaders and members of the Derby University American Football team led
the party. Jet2.com and East
Midlands Airport gave excited customers the red carpet treatment, serving
breakfast bagels and champagne before passengers boarded the early morning
flight.

The leading leisure airline celebrated its first year at the airport in
May this year and in the short time has doubled its presence with two aircraft
and 15 city and sun destinations. Further expansion is planned for 2012 with a
third aircraft which is expected to bring an additional 50 jobs to the region.

Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director of
Jet2.com, said: “The fantastic celebrations today show how delighted we
are to be the first company to operate a New York flight from East Midlands
Airport. It is a reflection of how much we have achieved in just over eighteen
months since we started flying from the region.

“Our New York shopping trips have been very popular from both our Leeds
Bradford and Newcastle bases, so it’s great to be able to bring this to the
people of the East Midlands. Local passengers
have been calling for this route since we arrived and we have responded with a
flight, perfectly timed to take a Christmas shopping trip.

Stephen
Turner, Commercial and Marketing Director East Midlands Airport, said: “Today marks a significant day in the
airport’s history. For the first time, passengers from the East Midlands region
have been able to fly direct to New York from their local airport.

“We have received incredible
support for this flight from the region and we remain committed to working
closely with Jet2.com to secure the destinations that our passengers want.”